Sexual Health

All of our clinical team are involved in the delivery of the sexual health service.

Services include contraception advice and services, diagnosis and treatment of STIs (sexually transmitted infections), cervical screening, management of erectile dysfunction, gynaecological health, sexuality and gender identity support and more.

We are here to offer you expert advice and services to help you with your sexual and reproductive health.

Patients under 18 years old can access these services FREE of charge if they live in Canterbury and are NZ residents.

How we can support your sexual health?

Your sexual health and wellbeing is vital, our team is passionate about ensuring you get the best advice so you can feel confident around decisions about your body.

Contraception, know your options

Our sexual health nurse Lucy can offer advice and services to help you with your sexual and reproductive health.

Lucy can help you decide what form of contraception may be best for you.

Condoms
Oral contraception

Long-acting reversible contraception

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is a contraceptive that lasts for a long time. LARCs are the most effective types of contraception. They are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Some available LARCs are :

IUCDs
Mirenas
Jadelle implants (insertion and removal)
Depo Provera

Funding is now available for long acting reversible contraception. Please discuss whether you are eligible for this funding with your GP or Nurse.

Sexual Health consultations are FREE for all enrolled patients under 18 years of age

Help when you need it

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is a form of contraception that can be used after unprotected sex.

The ECP is approved to be taken up to 72 hours after sex (three days). However for most people it is still effective up to four days after sex.

The ECP is not as effective if you weigh more than 70kg and in this situation, a copper IUD is recommended.

The Copper IUD is a permanent interuterine device. It is inserted by a doctor or trained nurse up to five days after the egg is released, and it’s almost 100% effective.

STI Testing and Treatment

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that you can get if you have unprotected sex with someone.

There are many reasons why you might want to have an STI test, such as:

if you and a new partner are beginning a sexual relationship
if you have had unprotected sex
if you think you may have an STI
if you just want a routine sexual health check
if a condom broke
if you are pregnant
if you have symptoms or just feel something is not right.

Sexuality Orientation + Gender Identity

Your sexual orientation is who you are attracted to, emotionally and physically. You don’t choose your sexual orientation – it is part of who you are.

Our gender identity is about our sense of being a man or a woman or someone else. It may not be the same as the sex we were assigned at birth.

These are topics that may come up during your life and sometimes it helps to talk with others who feel similar to you.

Gender Support Group

At Amberley Medical Centre we host a gender identity group, if you would like to learn more you can speak with our nurse and counsellor Mary or email mary@amberleymc.co.nz

We also offer counselling and support services should you need them.

Thinking about starting a family?

Family Health Services

We would love to be part of your journey. We offer advice and services around becoming pregnant, during pregnancy and a full range of services for your entire family.

Learn more